Legislative Activity

The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025 establishes a new program to expedite mortgage processing for tribal members seeking to buy, build, or improve homes on trust land. It mandates strict, short deadlines for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to approve or deny mortgage applications, with automatic approval if deadlines are missed. The Act also creates a Realty Ombudsman position within the BIA to ensure compliance and resolve disputes related to these land transactions.

The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026 provides funding and sets strict operational rules for DHS agencies, including CBP, TSA, and FEMA, for the fiscal year 2026. The bill allocates over $60 billion while imposing significant oversight requirements on management, border enforcement, and disaster response activities. Key provisions focus on increasing accountability through body camera mandates, restricting new pilot programs without clear plans, and speeding up disaster aid processing. Division B of the act includes technical adjustments and extensions to ensure government funding remains continuous through various continuing resolutions.

This bill expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a Bureau of Land Management rule that withdrew federal lands in specific Minnesota counties under Public Land Order No. 7917. By disapproving the rule, Congress renders it legally void.

The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act of 2026 mandates significant safety upgrades across both civilian and military aviation to prevent midair collisions. It requires the FAA to implement advanced collision avoidance systems and new air traffic controller training, while also compelling the Department of Defense to equip most military helicopters with transponders for increased visibility. The bill establishes new transparency measures, including public tracking of safety rule implementation and enhanced reporting on near-miss incidents, particularly around major airports like Reagan National.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 significantly updates federal disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. It expands eligibility for emergency funding to cover a wider range of natural disasters, increases the federal cost-share rate to 90%, and introduces options for advance payments on conservation and restoration work. The bill also authorizes mandatory funding and streamlines application processing timelines.

The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act reauthorizes the SBIR and STTR programs through 2031 while strengthening national security through enhanced due diligence and foreign risk screening for award applicants. The bill also introduces a "strategic breakthrough" funding mechanism to accelerate the development of critical technologies and streamlines administrative processes to improve commercialization and program efficiency.

This resolution establishes the procedural framework for the House of Representatives to finalize a consolidated appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026. It facilitates the legislative process by enabling the House to concur with Senate amendments while incorporating specific modifications detailed in the Rules Committee print.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026 authorizes the President to deny U.S. port entry to vessels that utilize foreign ports in Western Hemisphere free-trade partner countries that have unlawfully expropriated property from U.S. citizens. This legislation aims to protect American assets abroad by restricting access to U.S. markets for vessels operating through seized facilities. The bill includes provisions for lifting these restrictions once the property is returned, compensated for, or the dispute is otherwise resolved.

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act provides comprehensive fiscal year 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security, prioritizing operational oversight, transparency, and accountability. The legislation mandates strict reporting requirements for agency spending and establishes clear policy directives for border security, emergency management, and immigration services. Additionally, the bill includes technical provisions to ensure the continuity of government operations and the timely payment of federal personnel during funding lapses.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and underscores the critical need for consistent, full funding. It highlights how government funding lapses jeopardize national security, disrupt essential operations, and negatively impact the personnel tasked with protecting the American people. Ultimately, the resolution calls for immediate action to ensure DHS maintains the resources necessary to defend against a heightened domestic threat environment.

The "Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act of 2025" establishes a federal program to coordinate the maintenance and beautification of public spaces, monuments, and transit systems within the District. Additionally, it creates a temporary commission tasked with recommending policies to enhance public safety, support local law enforcement, and increase the enforcement of federal immigration laws. These initiatives are set to remain in effect through January 2, 2029.

This resolution establishes the procedural rules for the House of Representatives to consider four distinct legislative measures: the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026, a resolution supporting the Department of Homeland Security, a bill to beautify the District of Columbia, and legislation regarding vessel operations in U.S. waters. It sets specific parameters for debate, voting, and the handling of amendments for each measure. Additionally, the resolution extends the expiration date for provisions previously established in House Resolution 707.

The American Water Stewardship Act extends and strengthens critical federal water restoration programs for major U.S. basins and estuaries through 2031. The bill establishes a new restoration program for the San Francisco Bay, expands the National Estuary Program, and enhances coastal water quality monitoring. Additionally, it implements new funding safeguards regarding foreign entities and mandates a comprehensive GAO report to improve the accountability and effectiveness of EPA geographic programs.

The Federal Working Animal Protection Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make individuals who harm law enforcement animals inadmissible to the United States. Additionally, the bill establishes that such individuals are subject to deportation if they have been convicted of or admit to committing these offenses.

This proposed constitutional amendment mandates that the federal government maintain a balanced budget by limiting annual spending to the average of the previous three years' receipts, adjusted for population and inflation. It establishes a high threshold, requiring a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress for any tax increases or to exceed the spending limit, except during wartime. The amendment aims to enforce fiscal discipline by restricting federal expenditures.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make non-citizens inadmissible to and deportable from the United States if they commit fraud against the government or unlawfully receive public benefits. Additionally, the bill renders individuals convicted of these offenses ineligible for any form of immigration relief.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act prevents federal agencies from banning the use of lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. Exceptions to this rule are only permitted if specific, site-based field data proves lead is causing a wildlife population decline and the action is approved by or consistent with state wildlife policies.

This resolution establishes the procedural rules for House floor consideration of three specific bills: H.R. 556, regarding the use of lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands; H.R. 1958, concerning the inadmissibility and deportation of non-citizens convicted of government fraud or benefit abuse; and H.R. 4638, regarding the inadmissibility and deportation of non-citizens convicted of harming law enforcement animals. It outlines the terms for debate, amendment, and final voting for each measure. Additionally, the resolution sets guidelines for motions to suspend the rules regarding a balanced budget amendment.

The MAWS Act of 2026 establishes a two-year pilot program to incentivize the removal of invasive blue catfish from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. By providing funding to pet food and animal feed manufacturers, the program encourages the purchase of blue catfish from local watermen at set prices. Additionally, the act mandates improved data collection and reporting to better track the species' abundance and assess the program's environmental and economic impact.

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act is a comprehensive legislative package designed to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and strengthen oversight across federal housing programs. The bill incentivizes new construction, reforms housing counseling and disaster recovery systems, and restricts large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. Additionally, it aims to expand homeownership opportunities for veterans and low-income families while modernizing standards for manufactured and modular housing.